Belgian distillery unveils Brussels’ first whisky, but you’ll need to act fast if you want one

Thursday, 24 September 2026 at 09:06

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Belgium has a remarkable new whisky to its name. For the first time, a homegrown whisky has been distilled in Brussels, and after more than three years of maturation, it’s now ready to be bottled. The first batch is very small, though: just 64 bottles. If you want to taste the debut whisky from this maker, you’ll need to act fast.

The whisky comes from Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery in Koekelberg. The microbrewery and distillery will officially release Brussels Whisky on September 26.

Belgian whisky with American inspiration

If “Belgian whisky” makes you think of a classic single malt, this release will surprise you. For their first whisky, Tipsy Tribe chose an American-style approach. Brussels Whisky is crafted from Belgian malt, corn, and rye, then matured in new American oak barrels. The inaugural whisky was filled into cask on March 9, 2023.

That points clearly toward the world of American bourbon, yet made with Belgian ingredients and produced in the heart of Brussels. According to co-founder and brewer-distiller Daniel Fastenau, that last part feels like a natural step.

I’m a big whisky enthusiast myself, so creating our own whisky is a project I’m pouring a lot of passion into.

- Daniel Fastenau

Tipsy Tribe houses both a brewery and a distillery under one roof. That allows them to handle the entire process in-house, from milling the grain to finally bottling the whisky.

The first whisky from Tipsy Tribe and from Brussels

The fact that Brussels’ first whisky is made in Koekelberg adds a fascinating historical twist. In the 19th century, Jean-Baptiste Cellier-Blumenthal experimented here with the design of the modern column still. The area’s connection to spirits runs much deeper than you might expect.

And Tipsy Tribe isn’t stopping at a single release. Brussels Whisky is the first in a series the distillery plans to bring to market. Subsequent batches are currently resting in cask. Production capacity has also expanded significantly. In 2025, Tipsy Tribe installed a new still, which they say increased capacity tenfold.

Not much is known yet about the whisky’s finer details. Tasting notes and pricing have not been revealed. One thing is clear: it’s bottled at 45% alcohol by volume (ABV).

Only 64 bottles of Brussels Whisky

If you’re hoping to snag a bottle from the very first batch, be prepared for a highly limited release. Only 64 bottles will be available. Brussels Whisky will be officially launched on September 26, 2026, during an event at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery in Koekelberg.

Bottle number 1 will have a special destiny. The very first bottle of whisky produced in Brussels will be auctioned at the event, with all proceeds going toward school supplies for a local school in Koekelberg.

After that, it’s a matter of waiting for the next Brussels whisky. According to Tipsy Tribe, several batches are quietly maturing in different types of casks.

Whisky spotlight from Whisky Exchange	Price
Octomore 17.1	144 pounds
Octomore 17.2	159 pounds
Octomore 17.3	201 pounds

FAQ

What is Brussels Whisky?
Brussels Whisky is the first whisky produced in Brussels. It’s made by Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery in Koekelberg and takes inspiration from American whisky styles.
What is Brussels Whisky made from?
The whisky is made from Belgian malt, corn, and rye, and matured in new American oak barrels. The first batch was filled into cask on March 9, 2023.
How many bottles of Brussels Whisky are available?
Only 64 bottles will be released from the first batch. The whisky will be officially launched on September 26, 2026, at Tipsy Tribe Brewery & Distillery in Koekelberg.